Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads.

Written byjoshua becker ·

Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption that surrounds us.

The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration.

For that reason, I hope you will make an effort this weekend to find a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy some of these hand-picked articles to encourage more simplicity in your life.

Comments

You’re very right that minimalism (and frugality) are counter to the prevailing cultural push for consumerism and the preeminence of more. It’s refreshing to see so many articles addressing the benefits of living a simple life–and to know we’re not the only ones. Thank you :)!

Loved the brain drain post. A good followup to this piece is Deepak Chopra’s “Superbrain” and another author’s “Grain Brain”.

The best things I did for myself this year? No cell phone. Installed a land line with an answering machine. How very retro. Unsubscribed to many emails and RSS feeds. Wrote more letters on my handmade cards to the applause of all happy recipients. Increased my trips to the library. (15 years w/o tv and never look back). Catch up with long distance friends once every 2 weeks via phone (not via email). All of these “little” things have enriched my life. Oh! Almost forgot! No texts. No Facebook. I’m a rebel.

Hi Josh,
I enjoy most of your posts but these ones in particular for the very reason you mentioned. I feel a part of a bigger picture rather than constantly moving against the tide or having people not understanding me and my motivations. I can buy, fit it in, do but I don’t want to.

Thank you so much for these great articles. I always look forward to Sundays when I know your weekend post will be in my inbox. I really appreciate your work in helping people embrace simplicity. I find that I constantly need to be reminded of these values and your blog helps me stay focused. Thank you!